The Diamond Dove is one of the most beautiful and graceful birds. She is not afraid of humans and may well get along with other songbirds. This turtledove of the pigeon detachment got its name brilliant for the original color of the plumage.
Plumage coloring
The diamond turtledove belongs to the order of pigeons. This is one of the smallest turtle doves, which is strikingly different from others in its original color of plumage. Usually the head, neck and lower body of the bird are ash-gray in color, and the head and tail are brownish-brown. But the main feature is that the wings of a diamond turtle dove seem to be covered with small white specks, like diamonds. Hence the name.
But the turtledove has other unique distinctive features. These are reddish rings around each of the eyes. In males, the red rim is much brighter and wider than in females.
Where do diamond turtle doves live?
Birds with unusual plumage live in Australia. They especially like to live in open spaces. Turtle doves often live in the plain with a nearby pond. These birds love to bask in the sun, spread out on the ground. They almost always try to keep in pairs or small flocks.
Diamond turtle doves have to spend a significant part of their time in search of food - seeds of various grasses and small insects. Ants are a favorite bird treat.
Features of the nesting period
The breeding process of diamond turtle doves is very curious. The mating season can come at any time of the year. Much depends on the area of residence. During courtship, the male effectively inflates the goiter, raises and straightens the tail.
For nesting, birds try to choose tree branches at a low height. Dry grass is usually the building material. Interestingly, the female lays only two snow-white eggs. Well, their parents take turns incubating. This process usually takes about two weeks. But the hatched chicks are not ready to immediately get their own food on their own, so they are fed for eleven days.
By the way, diamond turtle doves have been especially popular among breeders for a long time. This is due to their rapid adaptation to living in cages and aviaries. They can also reproduce successfully in captivity. True, birds with diamond plumage are in great need of bright lighting and warmth. It is almost impossible to provide such conditions at home. Therefore, breeders often install UV lamps in their cages. This is especially necessary during the breeding season.
